Water-play structure providing supervisory viewing

ABSTRACT

A water play structure is provided having enhanced supervisory viewing. Wall panels, step panels, floor panels and other constructive components are comprised of materials having at least half-inch openings distributed uniformly throughout the component. Such materials may be rigid or yielding, depending on participant activity and structural component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication, Serial No. 60/239,039 entitled System for remote activationand control of water play elements, filed with the U.S. Patent andTrademark Office on Oct. 10, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a water playstructure. In particular, the invention relates to a water playstructure that enables a viewer to “see through” such structure forsupervisory viewing.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRIOR ART

[0003] The past few decades have seen increased water play structureproduction to accommodate increased public interest in entertainingwater activities. The majority of water play structures are manufacturedwithin a swimming pool and use opaque materials for structuralcomponents such as wall panels and steps. As such, a single lifeguard orsupervisory individual cannot view participant activity throughout theentire play structure. Often, several lifeguards must be located atvarious points around the pool perimeter to effectively encompass acomplete unobstructed view of participants in all structural areas toensure participant safety. However, even with an increased number ofsafeguard personnel located around the structure, participant hazardsmay still not be detected with sufficient timeliness and accuracy toprotect participants against harm. The present invention enhancesparticipant safety while reducing the number of supervisory figuresrequired to competently monitor participant activity.

[0004] Presently, no water play structure describes the use ofnon-opaque materials to provide ease of supervisory viewing ascontemplated by the present invention. For example, a child safety fencefor a swimming pool is currently available for preventing unsupervisedchildren from entering a hazardous area. Attached to the fence is analarm sounding security system. In establishing the alarm system, thefence, composed of flexible netting with openings no more than fourinches in diameter, is connected to an audible alarm signal such thatweight on the netting, such as that of a child attempting to climb oversuch fence, causes activation of the alarm system. However, the fencedisclosure does not address any use of the netting in constructivecomponents of a water play structure, such as for steps and flooring.Moreover, the design of the fence using flexible netting was notintended to provide supervisory viewing on play structures but rather tosubstitute the need for a supervisor by providing a means for sounding asignal that an individual has entered a hazardous area, such as aswimming pool.

[0005] An example of a structure using materials sufficientlytransparent to provide supervisory viewing is provided in a groundsurface climbing play structure. Having a rigid polyhedral frame forsupport, this structure utilizes “webbing” material stretched across aframe to provide amusement for children in climbing and play. The focusof the polyhedral configuration is to provide a safe and sturdystructure on ground surfaces for child activities such as climbing andplaying. However, this play structure does not teach the use of nettingor “webbing” for components such as steps, flooring and crawl tubes in aswimming pool. Additionally, an objective for using webbing in thestructure is to provide a means for children to climb and play. As such,a means for supervisory viewing is not disclosed where webbing materialfor climbing and playing are attached to such structure that is opaquein nature.

[0006] Also available are participatory water play structures providingsolid wall panels, railings with upright members spaced four inchesapart, and net bridges as play elements. Several key featuresdistinguish the present invention from those features located on presentwater play structures. First, such participatory water play structureshave walls, flooring and other play structures formed of solid opaquematerials such as wood, fiberglass, PVC, aluminum, or steel. Such wallsand floorings are located on elevated levels far above water level. Incontrast, the present invention enables the use of grating, mesh, or thelike with such materials to provide a means to “see through” the playstructure and monitor all participant activity from a single vantagepoint. More importantly, the present invention enables such means to“see through” the play structure at water level, a plane most hazardousto participants.

[0007] Second, current water play structures have railings with uprightmembers spaced four inches apart, as required by safety standards. Suchrailings are a potential hazard to very young or small participants whomay wedge body members within the open four-inch space. Conversely, thepresent invention enables the use of grating, mesh, or the like, withwater resistant materials having no less than half-inch openings toprovide an improved means for supervisory viewing. Such materials pose alesser threat of injury to smaller or younger participants.

[0008] Finally, the “net bridges” of present play structures are oftencomposed of sturdy ropes and have large openings for crawling. Thepresent invention does not teach the use of ropes for “bridges,” rather,what is disclosed are the use of nylon mesh or webbing and gratingshaving at least one-half inch openings as functional components to theplay structure and the use of webbing to create a unique “crawl tunnel”play element providing supervisory viewing for participant protection.

[0009] As is appreciated by those skilled in the art, all of theforegoing structures lack a means for maximal supervisory care inmonitoring participants of a water play structure. Consequently, untilnow there existed an unfulfilled need for a water play structureproviding supervisory viewing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention enables a means for improved supervisoryviewing of participants in a water play structure. More particularly,the present invention discloses the use of various materials in certainplay components to enhance participant safety and supervisory viewing.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to enable a means of“seeing through” a water play structure to improve supervisory viewingin observing participant activities.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to minimize potentialliability often generated by safety issues associated with present waterplay structures.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to lower expensesfor water play structure operation by requiring fewer lifeguardpersonnel at the play site. By using non-opaque materials forconstructive water play structure components such as wall panels andflooring, fewer supervisory personnel are required.

[0014] Finally, another object of the present invention is to providesupervisory viewing without interrupting optimal participant enjoyment.By utilizing structure materials such as grating PVC or nylon webbing,participants may continue to play with and on the water play structurewithout significant interruption of entertainment.

[0015] Other objectives and goals will be apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the drawings included herewith.The various features of novelty that characterize the invention will bepointed out with particularity in the claims of this application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings:

[0017]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a general arrangementembodiment of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevational view of a section of a wallpanel of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a section of a floorpanel of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of step panels of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The invention summarized above and defined by the enumeratedclaims may be better understood by referring to the following detaileddescription, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. This detailed description of a particular preferredembodiment, set out below to enable one to practice the invention, isnot intended to limit the enumerated claims, but to serve as aparticular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciatethat they can readily use the concepts and specific embodiment disclosedas a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems forcarrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilledin the art should also realize that such equivalent methods and systemsdo not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadestform.

[0022]FIG. 1 illustrates a generalized view of an embodiment of thepresent invention. Specifically, a water play structure 10 is located ina swimming pool 20. Water play structure 10 is comprised of a pluralityof interconnected hollow ducts 30 having water forming components 40;such structure enables a variety of water play elements. Such water playelements may include, but are not limited to, water sprinklers,waterfalls, water geysers, water jets, or water fogs. Interconnectedhollow ducts 30, providing a means to create water play elements may beconnected with such materials as, glue, pressure clamps, screws,threaded couplings, flanges, or the like.

[0023] Ducts 30 may be manufactured out of rust resistant metal,fiberglass, PVC, or other structurally and functionally suitablematerial. As used herein, the term ‘duct’ includes, by definition, allmanners and shapes of pipe, tubing, or other functionally shapedwater-carrying channel. All such ducts 30 are hollow to allow passage ofwater, yet of sufficient strength to permit at least one participant tosafely climb within and upon its frame. Duct 30 may be formed of aplurality of shapes by bending and piecing together different lengthsections with glue or joint welds, or by pressure clamps, screws,threaded couplings, flanges, or the like.

[0024] Additionally, water play structure 10, as depicted in FIG. 1, hasnon-water oriented constructive components such as steps 50, flooring60, and wall panels 70 made of non-opaque materials to provide safety inentertainment. Preferably, steps 50 and flooring 60 comprise suchmaterials as fiberglass grating, stainless steel grating, polyvinylchloride (PVC) grating, or the like. Materials used in constructing wallpanels 70 may include, but are not limited to, nylon mesh or webbing,steel mesh, fiberglass grating, or PVC grating. Such steps 50, flooring60, and wall panels 70 may be attached to a water play structure by suchsuitable fastener means as welds, clamps, glue, or the like.

[0025] The water play structure 10 may also include features forparticipant recreation. Those features include, but are not limited to:a crawl tunnel, a slide, a pole, or a set of bars connected to the waterplay structure at different elevations. An embodiment of the presentinvention preferably includes a unique crawl tunnel enabling supervisoryviewing. Specifically, a crawl tunnel is disclosed comprising nylonwebbing and the like.

[0026] A three dimensional construction of the water play structure maybe delineated by the interconnection of a plurality of ducts 30. Theinterconnected ducts 30 form a shape of sufficient size and separationto permit a participant to fit between water forming components 40. Thelimitations of functionality, budget and size constraint influence thesize of such play structure, the number of water forming components 40and the number of play elements included.

[0027] A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a wallpanel 200 as illustrated in FIG. 2. Wall panel 200 is attached to a playstructure 10 by rods 201 inserted through wall panel loops 202. Suchloops 202 are formed from the wall panel 200 itself and are located at atop and bottom section of the wall panel 200. Rod 201, inserted througha wall panel loop 202, is fastened to upright supports of the water playstructure 10. Materials used in constructing the wall panel 200 andloops 202 include, but are not limited to, nylon mesh or webbing, steelmesh, fiberglass grating, or PVC grating having openings no less thanone-half inch in diameter. Rod 201 may be hollow to conduct water flowand must be of sufficient strength to withstand participant play. Rod201 may be manufactured out of rust resistant metal, fiberglass, PVC, orother structurally and functionally suitable material. Attachment of rod201 to upright supports of the water play structure 10 may include suchfastener means as welds, clamps, glue, or the like. Vertical uprightsmay be composed of ducts 30.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 3, floor panels 300 are preferablyfastened to a water play structure through tabs 301 and screws 302.Specifically, floor panel 300 has a plurality of tabs 301 located alongthe perimeter of the floor panel. Screws 302 are inserted through suchtabs 301 and into horizontal posts attached to vertical uprights of playstructure 10. Materials used in manufacturing floor panel 300 comprisesuch materials as fiberglass grating, stainless steel grating, PVCgrating, or the like, having openings no less than one-half inch indiameter throughout. The horizontal posts are manufactured frommaterials sufficient to resist water corrosion and of satisfactorystrength to support participant weight. Attachment of horizontal poststo upright supports of the water play structure 10 may include suchfastener means as welds, clamps, glue, or the like.

[0029] In another embodiment of the present invention, a crawl tunnelenabling enhanced supervisory viewing. is disclosed. Composed ofmaterials such as nylon webbing and the like, having open spaces no lessthan one-half inch in diameter distributed throughout, such crawl tunnelis fastened to vertical uprights of a water play structure 10.Attachment of a crawl tunnel to upright supports may include suchfastener means as welds, clamps, glue, or the like.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 4, step panels 400 are preferably locatedproximate to a water play structure 10. Specifically, step panels 400are fastened to posts 401 affixed into a base surface 402. Materialsused in manufacturing step panels 400 comprise such materials asfiberglass grating, stainless steel grating, PVC grating, or the like,having openings no less than one-half inch in diameter throughout. Posts401 are manufactured from materials sufficient to resist water corrosionand of satisfactory strength to support participant weight. Attachmentof step panels 400 to posts 401 may include such fastener means aswelds, clamps, glue, or the like. Posts 401 are affixed into a basesurface 402 using bolts, welds, clamps, concrete, or the like.

[0031] Wall panels 200, floor panels 300, step panels 400 and otherconstructive features of a water play structure 10 are composed ofmaterials having openings of at least one-half inch in diameterthroughout. Such openings provide improved visibility for supervisorypersonnel in monitoring participant activity. Additionally, therelatively small sized openings to larger sized participant body limbsare so disproportionate that the likelihood of injury from wedging ortwisting is negligible. Finally, constructive features composed ofmaterials having openings at least one-half inch in diameter will notinterfere with water play while enhancing supervisory viewing to ensureparticipant safety.

[0032] The present invention enables improved viewing of all areas in awater play structure. As such, fewer lifeguard personnel are requiredthan current standards to monitor participant activity. Moreover, suchimproved viewing allows supervisory personnel to easily identifyhazardous situations and act upon them preemptively before injuries canoccur. These and other advantages as described above evidence animproved water play structure.

[0033] While specific values, relationships, materials and steps havebeen set forth for purposes of describing concepts of the invention, itshould be recognized that, in the light of the above teachings, thoseskilled in the art can modify those specifics without departing frombasic concepts and operating principles of the invention taught herein.Therefore, for purposes of determining the scope of patent protection,reference shall be made to the appended claims in combination with theabove detailed description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water play structure comprising: a. a frame; b.at least one wall panel comprising non-opaque constructive material; c.at least one planar member comprising non-opaque constructive material;d. means for access to said planar member; and e. means for waterdistribution, such water distribution means including at least onenozzle mounted on such frame for directing water into a spray pattern,means for circulating water to such nozzle, at least one valve attachedto such means for circulating water to control the flow of watercirculated to such nozzle, means for collecting water sprayed from saidnozzle, and a pump for re-circulating such collected water to suchnozzle.
 2. The structure of claim 1, wherein such non-opaqueconstruction material for such wall panel is selected from the groupconsisting of: a. steel mesh; b. nylon mesh; c. nylon webbing d.fiberglass grating; and e. PVC grating wherein said nylon mesh, nylonwebbing, steel mesh, fiberglass grating, and PVC grating includeuniformly spaced openings no less than one-half inch in open space. 3.The structure of claim 1, wherein such non-opaque constructive materialfor such planar member is selected from the group consisting of: a.nylon mesh; b. nylon webbing; c. steel grating; and d. PVC gratingwherein said nylon mesh, nylon webbing, steel grating, and PVC gratinginclude uniformly spaced openings no less than one-half inch in openspace.
 4. The structure of claim 1, wherein such non-opaque constructivematerial for such access to planar member is selected from the groupconsisting of: a. nylon mesh; b. nylon webbing c. steel grating; and d.PVC grating; wherein said steel grating, and PVC grating includeuniformly spaced openings no less than one-half inch in open space. 5.The structure of claim 4, wherein such access to planar member comprisessteps.
 6. The structure of claim 1, wherein such means for circulatingfurther comprises a filter.
 7. The structure of claim 6, wherein themeans for circulating water includes at least a first pipe having aninlet for connection to a pump, wherein the pump includes an inlet,pumping means and an outlet; said first pipe having an outlet forconnection to a water filter, wherein the filter includes an inlet,filtering means, and an outlet; and said first pipe having a firstvalve; a second pipe including an inlet for connection to the waterfilter, said second pipe having an outlet for connection to the waterplay structure; and a second valve in the second pipe; and a third pipeincluding an inlet for connection to the outlet of said structure, anoutlet for connection to the inlet of the pump, and a third valve insuch third pipe.
 8. The structure of claim 1, wherein such watercirculation means is controlled by a master control valve.
 9. Thestructure of claim 8, wherein such frame is formed from interconnectedpolyvinyl chloride pipe for circulating water to said nozzle and saidvalve.
 10. The structure of claim 1, wherein such means for collectingsprayed water comprises a pool.
 11. The structure of claim 1, whereinsuch frame includes a crawl tunnel; such tunnel comprising nylon webbinghaving at least one-half inch openings.